The first 5 teams have been announced for IEM Sydney

For the third time down under, the Intel Extreme Masters returns to Sydney and with it welcomes the first 5 competing teams.

As is tradition, the reigning champions are returning to defend their title. This time around that falls into the hands of FaZe Clan. Previous champions mibr are also going to be making the journey to Australia once again. Fresh faces are also on the invites list this year with Ninjas in Pyjamas and Team Liquid just recently announced.

“Aussie fans will welcome Team Liquid and NiP when they take the stage, and local teams will relish the opportunity to take on the biggest names in CS:GO,” said Nick Vanzetti, Senior Vice President, of ESL Asia-Pacific Japan. “IEM Sydney has become a destination for the biggest teams and match-ups, and we’re excited to host household names, as they go up against crowd favourites, the Renegades,” added Vanzetti.

Of course, IEM Sydney would not be complete without our Aussie Renegades boys.

They certainly wowed the crowds at IEM Katowice not long ago when they made it to the champions stage. Unfortunately, they did not make it past the quarterfinals, going down to mibr, but they certainly made a lasting impression. The home crowd will be behind them this year with hopes that they can do even better here.

All invited teams so far achieved legends status at the IEM Katowice Major so we know these match-ups will be incredible to watch. There are still 4 more teams to recieve invites to this event as well as regional qualifiying teams to make up the 16 total competitors. So far the EU and NA qualifiers have concluded with BIG and Swole Patrol claiming those spots.

Tickets for the tournament are currently on sale with a range of passes available starting from just $AU 45. Games will also be live-streamed during the event where teams will be competing for the $US 250,000 prize pool.

Which teams are you excited to see play in Sydney? Are your favourites still waiting to be announced or will you be joining the Aussie superfans?

Gaming, music and chocolate enthusiast from Adelaide. Currently studying Psychology and Marketing at Flinders University. Addicted to games since I was a kid and grew up on the likes of The Elder Scrolls and Quake. Big fan of the eSports scene with an avid interest in Counter-Strike and Rainbow 6 Siege. On most days you'll find me studying or playing Destiny 2.

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